“For most people, it would have been all romantic. No blame in not seeing the darker implications until later.”

Denise snorted. “No blame, maybe, but there was certainly plenty of harm in my blindness.” She gulped more coffee, seemingly oblivious to the heat. “Want a refill?”

He shook his head. “I’m good. And don’t be too hard on yourself. You did finally leave him. Not everyone does.”

From the darkness in her eyes, he could tell she didn’t believe it yet.

Putting down her cup, she continued. “Well, I won’t bore you by making this drag on. Yes, he beat me. Yes, he abused me emotionally. I should have known better, but I always explained it away. Which is stupid. I’d seen it all at home a...

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